Pope Francis is currently in “critical” condition after facing a serious respiratory issue, described as an asthma-like crisis. The Vatican shared that he is feeling “more unwell than yesterday” and has required blood transfusions due to a low platelet count linked to anemia.
He is 88 years old and is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. While he remains alert and has spent time in an armchair, he needs a high flow of oxygen. The latest update indicates that his prognosis is “guarded,” and he is not out of danger.
The Pope first went to the hospital on February 14 after struggling to breathe for several days. His doctors previously noted that while there was no immediate risk to his life, he is still in a fragile state. This marks the second Sunday in a row that he will miss public prayers with pilgrims.
Due to a history of lung issues, including pleurisy and having part of a lung removed when he was 21, the Pope is especially vulnerable to lung infections. Over his 12 years as pope, he has been hospitalized multiple times, including a stay for bronchitis in March 2023.
